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Rob Longley, Toronto Sun

Jun 19, 2014

, Last Updated: 11:13 PM ET

There may be a donkey on the back of the jockey’s silks of the Kentucky Derby favourite, but California Chrome is no mule.

Far from it.

In fact, when the starting gate springs early Saturday evening to trigger the early strides of the first jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, he may end up being one of the biggest betting favourites in the Derby’s 140-year history.

But a sure thing on paper doesn’t mean a sure thing on the racetrack, especially in a dash where long-shots and late-closing shockers win at least as often as those expected to romp.

California Chrome’s credentials are solid enough, starting with a four-race winning streak, stakes events he won by a combined 24 1/2 lengths to ensure his status here.

Can he win? Of course he can. Is he the next great superstar and a candidate to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978? Let’s wait to see what happens on Saturday, when 19 three-year-olds make their mad romp for glory.